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COVID-19 update for carers in NSW

Mon, 11 Oct

Carers NSW is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the ongoing government response and the wide ranging impacts it has on carers. Below is our latest COVID-19 information and resources for carers.

Restrictions eased as NSW reaches 70% double dose vaccination

From today, Monday 11 October 2021, a number of restrictions will ease across NSW based on advice from the NSW Government and NSW Department of Health.

These changes have come into effect because 70% of eligible people in NSW have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Further restrictions will be eased once 80% of people in NSW are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Below are the key changes that are particularly relevant to carers. Additional detail can be found on the NSW Government website. These changes only apply to people who are fully vaccinated and those with medical exemptions. Please follow medical advice at the time of vaccination regarding how long the second shot will take to be fully effective, as this can take up to 2 weeks.

Meeting with others:

  • Up to ten visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under)
  • Up to 30 people can gather outdoors
  • Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household

Visiting aged care and residential disability settings:

  • Residents in aged care facilities and disability homes are permitted two visitors per day in line with facility policies

Community activities:

  • Retail stores can reopen under the “one person per 4sqm rule” (people who are not fully vaccinated will continue to only be able to access critical retail)
  • Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the “one person per 4sqm rule” and can offer classes for up to 20 people
  • Sporting facilities can reopen. Indoor pools will be re-opened for some activities including swimming lessons and rehabilitation activities

Travel in the community:

  • No distance limits are in place for travel within Greater Sydney
  • Carpooling will be permitted (members of your household only for people who are not fully vaccinated)

Masks:

  • Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, on planes and at airports
  • Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors

Isolation rules for close and casual contacts

The guidance on isolation for close and casual contacts who are fully vaccinated will continue to be revised as restrictions continue to ease. Stay up-to-date by visiting the NSW Government website.

Tailored information for carers

Carers NSW will continue to provide updates via the News page of our website and via our Facebook page. Resources developed by Carers NSW to support carers to manage the practical and emotional challenges of caring through COVID-19, are available on our Carer Resources page, using the search term 'COVID'.

Restriction changes in a variety of languages

All of the restriction changes are detailed in the NSW COVID-19 'Roadmap to freedom'. A summary of the roadmap is available in a variety of languages, including:

The roadmap is subject to change at short notice if circumstances change or if cases in a certain area remain too high. Stay up to date by visiting the NSW Government website.